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Tropical Cyclone Idai rapidly strengthened to a Category 3 storm in the warm waters of the Mozambique Channel over the weekend. This image, seen from the NOAA-20 polar orbiting satellite on March 10, 2019, shows Idai brushing the island of Madagascar before it gradually moves south and west toward t
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Tropical Storm Bertha To Bring Heavy Rain And Surge To Gulf Coast

Tropical Storm Bertha was reported closing in on the Gulf Coast Tuesday, July 21, 2026, with forecasts of up to 4 feet of storm surge and heavy rain threatening New Orleans and nearby areas.[1]

The CBS segment said New Orleans and surrounding areas were bracing for multiple feet of rainfall and emphasized imminent landfall conditions, contrasting with earlier, more general forecasts of 2 to 4 inches of rain.[1]

Earlier forecasts had predicted 2 to 4 inches of rain and up to 4 feet of storm surge.[1] PBS also reported that heavy rain and flooding were expected along the Gulf Coast as Bertha approached.[2]

The reporting marks a shift from earlier modest guidance to urgent warnings of landfall, surge and multiple feet of precipitation.[1]

  1. CBS News
  2. PBS News
Severe Weather Public Safety
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July 22, 2026
12:55 AM
Tropical Storm Bertha closes in on Gulf Coast with up to 4 ft of storm surge expected
CBS News
New information:
  • On Tuesday, July 21, 2026, CBS reported Tropical Storm Bertha was closing in on the Gulf Coast, with forecasts calling for up to 4 feet of storm surge.
  • The CBS segment said New Orleans and surrounding areas were bracing for multiple feet of rainfall from Bertha's approach.
  • The report emphasized imminent landfall conditions compared with earlier, more general forecasts of 2 to 4 inches of rain and up to 4 feet of surge.